Comprehensive’s new status is a recognition of the quality of teaching there, says head Richard Steward

The Woodroffe School at Lyme Regis has been given an important new role in the quest to raise standards in education.

Officials announced today (Tuesday) that it has been granted teaching school status, entitling it to lead the training and professional development of staff.

The teaching schools initiative was launched last autumn, marking a shift towards school-centred training and development.

It gives outstanding schools the freedom and autonomy to lead a group of schools, working with other partners including at least one university, to deliver high quality support for teachers and leaders at all stages in their career.

Woodroffe head Dr Richard Steward said: “I am absolutely delighted that The Woodroffe School has been awarded teaching school status. This is a real accolade and one that is richly deserved by the school’s staff and students. The school received an ‘outstanding’ judgment in a recent Ofsted inspection, so this award can be seen as the icing on the cake. It will allow us to continue to offer high standards of education but will also give us access to new opportunities which can only benefit staff and students alike. Above all, it is recognition of the quality of teaching at Woodroffe.”